Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The short story that inspired Jennifer Weiner’s forthcoming novel The Next Best Thing. Ruth has left her job writing for a hit television show for reasons she’d rather not discuss and is supplementing her increasingly dwindling savings with freelance writing projects—namely, helping anxious high school students craft a perfect college essay and lonely souls craft captivating online dating profiles. When she’s not working, she’s swimming—lap after lap at the local indoor pool, in a desperate attempt to wash away the sting of professional failure and heartbreak that she can’t seem to shake. It takes an unexpected client to show her that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply dive back in.My Thoughts: I enjoyed learning about Ruth and what she had gone through as a child over coming tragedy and moving forward in life. It was a cute novella with enough to drag someone into The Next Best Thing. I love the relationship between Ruth and her grandmother who raised her.

Unsolvable casesSince former Marine Jack Morgan started Private, it has become the world's most effective investigation firm--sought out by the famous and the powerful to discreetly handle their most intimate problems. Private's investigators are the smartest, the fastest, and the most technologically advanced in the world--and they always uncover the truth.

Impossible murders

When his former lover is found murdered in Jack Morgan's bed, he is instantly the number one suspect. While Jack is under police investigation, the mob strong-arms him into recovering $30 million in stolen pharmaceuticals for them. And the beautiful manager of a luxury hotel chain persuades him to quietly investigate a string of murders at her properties.

The #1 suspect is Jack Morgan

While Jack is fighting for his life, one of his most trusted colleagues threatens to leave Private, and Jack realizes he is confronting the cleverest and most powerful enemies ever. With more action, more intrigue, and more twists than ever before, PRIVATE: #1 SUSPECT is James Patterson at his unstoppable best.My Thoughts: Thanks again to Kristin for a great giveaway. This book was a great read. Jack Morgan finds himself in a boatload of trouble early on in the story when his ex-girlfriend winds up dead and put in his bed. For much of the book it looks like Jack is headed up the creek so to speak. Everything points to Jack as a cold blooded murder, but there are several hints that maybe there is someone out there who be mad enough at Jack to do this... in walk Tom Jack's evil twin brother. Did Tom order a hit to send Jack over the edge? Or was Tom calculated enough to do this himself? Talk about a hell of a ride.

Friday, August 24, 2012

When Matt and Emily are sent on their second mission they have no idea how truly dark human nature can become…

Emily never wanted to face humans again. With the heartache that went on down below, she’s still trying to figure out how to save souls that don’t deserve saving. The only one she wants to see again is Jason - the young man she fell in love with who became the soulmate she simply can’t forget…

Matt was trained to protect and defend the souls down below. Longing to feel the heartfelt emotions that come from being human, Matt wants nothing more than to have just one life - one chance - to live and love the girl of his dreams…

The powerful team find themselves in a brand new century, living in the Gilded Age of New York City. Emily takes over the body of Anya, a young Russian girl who arrives on Ellis Island after a hideous tragedy. There she meets up with a strangely familiar young man by the name of Drew Parrish, who helps Anya survive in an unknown world of luxury, snobbery and…obsession.

What Anya’s inner angel doesn’t know is that the soul she loves is also back. This time around Jason goes by the name of Max Carrow. Once a quiet and kind boy, he’s now part of the ‘Four Hundred Club,’ and wants nothing more than to be among the most admired as he climbs the shaky ladder of society’s elite.

As two worlds merge, Emily and Matt struggle under the weight of their “Gilded Wings.” Not only will they have to figure out who they should fight to save, but they must also face a romantic choice that could destroy them both.

The police can't help you
Former Marine helicopter pilot Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily--and his staff of investigators uses the world's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.

The press will destroy you

Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.

Only one place to turn: Private

But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever. My Thoughts:

This was a great start to a series. In the beginning we meet Jack Morgan who's visiting his father at jail. Jack Morgan and Tom Morgan have been at odds for a very long time. When Jack is offered his father's private investigate company. Not long into this his father winds up dead.

Fast forward to a successful Jack Morgan head of Private. He takes multiple cases and has a great bunch of team mates. Jack Morgan is investigating his best friend's wife who winds up murdered. The suspect none other than Jack's best friend. But did he really kill his wife that everyone loved?

Jack's Uncle has him looking into some kind of shady deal going on with football games and why the team keeps loosing and who's to blame.

Then there is the school girl killings. Somone is killing young girls in a most odd way. The murders have been going on for 5 years now with no end in sight. Or is there?

I enjoyed learning about all the different people from Private. And how they are all vital to the company. From Dr. Smith to Sci and MoBot. We also learn more about the military aspect of Jack and his hate relationship with his brother. Very much a good twin bad twin situation.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play too well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

My Thoughts:

This is the first in a series it follows the story of Harry Dresden who is a wizard, and not the type to perform for entertainment purposes. Harry gets retained to help a woman find her husband who's vanished without a trace...but is the husband just out for a joy ride or is he truly missing?

He also gets contacted by the Chicago P.D. for a double homicide of a gruesome nature. A couple found murdered and Murphy wants answers as to the magical aspect. Harry is also contacted by a mob boss who wants Harry to butt out and let them take care of business their way. Is Harry in over his head?

I love this book, I love Harry's humor as he's trying to figure out what is going on in various cases. His banter with Bob had me loving their relationship. I ended up reading this because I went through Netflix one night to watch something and stumbled across the show and wanted to read the book prior, I can definitely say Harry is my next great paranormal series read I love it.

Talk about a great ending, oh my god I loved this so much such a great spin on paranormals and private investigators work. Jim Butcher has such a fabulous writing style. Definitely a author I will check out again and again!

When Jeanette Brioche helped launch The Corner Spa in Serenity, South Carolina, she found a whole lot more than professional satisfaction. She discovered the deep and loyal friendships that had been missing from her life. But even the Sweet Magnolias can't mend the terrible rift between Jeanette and her family or persuade her that the holidays are anything more than a season of misery.

Pushed into working on the town's much-loved annual Christmas festival, Jeanette teams up with the sexy new town manager. Tom McDonald may be the only person in Serenity who's less enthused about family and the holidays than she is.

But with tree decorations going up on the town square and a bit of romance in the air, Jeanette and Tom take a fresh look at the past and a hopeful look into the future. Together they discover that this just may be a season of miracles after all.

My Thoughts:

This is a Christmas themed book. Christmas is gearing up in South Carolina's Serenity. Only two people seem to be in the bah humbug mood Jeanette Brioche and Tom McDonald. Jeanette from suffering a tragic loss many Christmas's ago, and Tom is suffering from a false Christmas's he's spent with his rich family. To him Christmas was all about networking and social situations.

Jeanette swore long ago over 3 years to be exact that no man would be boyfriend to her. She had been put second fiddle for far too long, and figured the best way to deal with it is shutting herself off from the world. Maddie unknowing of Jeanette's history with Christmas begs her to be on the Christmas Committee to represent the Corner Spa, after much pushing and Mary Vaughn one of Jeanette's customers begs her to be on the committee Jeanette caves and joins little does she know the mysterious town manager Tom McDonald will be there.

Mary Vaughn starts to reevaluate her relationship with Sony Lewis her ex-husband and wonder if maybe they can give their relationship another go. She is tired of going after men who are not available.

I loved reading about these characters and bringing the spirit of Christmas home for them. It was such a nice romantic and lots of humor and mistakes made. Definitely a beautiful series to read through.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Helen Decatur spent a lifetime setting goals--getting through college and law school, opening her own practice, becoming financially secure and establishing herself as one of the most highly respected matrimonial attorneys in the state of South Carolina. Achieving those goals was a breeze compared to the one she's faced with now.

The most driven--and cynical--of the Sweet Magnolias, Helen is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she's put on the back burner for all these years. Unfortunately, having a child at her age comes with lots of complications, not the least of which is the absence of a serious relationship in her life.

But Helen's not the type of woman to wait around for fate to step in. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends, sets sparks flying with a man who doesn't want a family, and leads her straight into the most unexpected complication of all...love.

My Thoughts:

Sweet Magnolia Helen wants a baby in the worst way possible, she's made lists and more lists on top of that now if only she could find a way to go about it. Erik the pastry chef at Sullivan's has had his share of heartbreak and will do anything not to go back, he keeps Helen as casual as can be.

Karen an assistant chef to Dana Sue is having all sorts of issues between being a single mom, and trying to juggle work. She ends up seeking out advice from Helen about how to keep her job. Helen, Dana Sue and Erik along with Karen try to work out a deal to benefit them all, and that is when Tess appears on the scene as another part time chef in training.

Helen also is dealing with her client's crazy soon to be ex husband who has fallen completely off the reservation. Everyone in Serenity is concerned over her and her client's safety.

It was great to go back to Serenity and catch up with The Sweet Magnolia's and see what they are up too. I always enjoy reading about the southern town and the women that make it roll!

Dana Sue might run the best little restaurant in Serenity, but when you're feeding a small town of neighbors, busybodies and best friends, things can get a bit hot in the kitchen. Never mind that she's putting on too many pounds (an occupational hazard for a chef)—she's worried about her too-skinny teenage daughter, Annie, who has been slowly starving herself since the loud, suitcase-tossing, name-calling fit on her front lawn that left Dana Sue minus one cheating husband.

But sometimes life picks strange ways to mend fences. When Annie lands in the hospital, Dana Sue reaches out to the man she loves to hate: Ron, the husband who took her heart when she tossed him out. Ron is still Annie's white knight, even if he's decidedly more tarnished in Dana Sue's eyes. But he still looks good enough to eat, and maybe, just maybe, to forgive. Once, Ron made the mistake of letting go without a proper fight. But now Dana Sue is about to get another taste of sweet devotion from a man tired of feeling like a fool, hungry for that slice of heaven he found with her.—

My Thoughts:

Dana Sue finds herself in a messy situation with her daughter Annie when she notices Annie is avoiding eating at all costs, she tries to get to the bottom of it, but sometimes you need both mom and dad to figure it out. Annie winds in the hospital after having a heart attack at age 16, Ronnie Annie's Dad and Dana Sue's ex comes back to town sooner than he planned with his own agenda getting his family back. Also Annie and Tyler end up getting closer.

This was a great story of finding your own slice of heaven with those you love. And that sometimes what you want is right infront of you, you just have to wake up and realize it. Definitely another great Magnolia series book!

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to "go, go, go, " Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea--until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old--and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour. My Thoughts:

This was great novella by Shannon Stacey which tells the story of Anna and Cameron who spend the summer at a secluded lake in their respective summer homes. Cameron to escape a past he doesn't want to repeat. Anna to find a hope and learn to manage life. Little did they anticipate falling in love. Now the question is whether they will spend forever together.

This book had everything you'd expect from a little novella, romance, comedy, humor. I really enjoy reading Shannon Stacey's books.

Maddie Townsend might live in a town called Serenity, but there's been nothing calm or peaceful about her life since her marriage broke up. This stay-at-home mom has no job skills, an out-of-control sixteen-year-old son, a talkative fourteen-year-old who's suddenly gone silent, a six-year-old daughter whose heart is broken, an ex-husband whose younger girlfriend is expecting their baby and two best friends who think she's somehow qualified to help them open a fitness spa for women.

But if Maddie is a tad on edge with all that on her plate, it's nothing compared to the chaos that ensues when she discovers that her son's baseball coach has feelings for her and the whole town disapproves. Maddie's faced a lot of challenges lately with strength and resolve, but Cal Maddox may turn out to be more than she can handle.

Then again, he could just be the one man in all of South Carolina who can help her find serenity.

My Thoughts:

This was a great book following the relationship of Maddie Townsend and Cal Maddox her son Ty's baseball couch. When Maddie's husband Bill tells her he wants a divorce nothing in life goes right. The kids are all upset and acting out, Maddie is trying to come to terms about the situation. When Ty starts acting out it's up to Coach Cal Maddox and Maddie to get to the bottom of the situation, but like everything in small towns their relationship is spreading like wildfire.

I really enjoyed learning about the Sweet Magnolias and all the people in town and relationships between everyone!

A stipulation of the Patriot Act gave Chief Sam Jenkins an easy job; investigate all the civilians working for the Prospect Police Department. But what looked routine to the gritty ex-New York detective, turned into a nightmare. Preliminary inquiries reveal a middle-aged employee didn't exist prior to 1975. Murray McGuire spent the second half of his life repairing office equipment for the small city of Prospect, Tennessee, but the police can't find a trace of the first half. After uncovering nothing but dead ends during the background investigation and frustrations running at flood level, Jenkins finds his subject lying face down in a Smoky Mountain creek bed. By calling in favors from old friends and new acquaintances, the chief enlists help from a local FBI agent, a deputy director of the CIA, British Intelligence, and the Irish Garda to learn the man's real identity and uncover the trail of an international killer seeking revenge in the Great Smoky Mountains.

My Thoughts:

Who would have thought something as simple as building up the Prospect Police Department would lead to phone calls to the F.B.I, C.I.A, and other high profile government buildings both here, England and Ireland. When Murray McGuire who basically has no identity prior to 1975 and it's up to Sam Jenkins to find out what is up with the Irish lad, which leads to learning about the I.R.A and how Murray squeeled and was sent stateside to disappear but his past seems to have caught up with him when he is found dead in Prospect.

I love Sam's humor and little quirks like quoting Sandford and Son, scenes from Monty Phyton among others. Those parts were hilarious. Plus Sam was able to some what repair a relationship with a fellow cop from Sam's past. I loved this book as much if not more than the first one! A great author up there with James Patterson! Was a great adventure to go on with Sam and his Police Department!

One thing about Cedar Cove -- people sure are interested in what other people are doing. Take me, for instance. Everybody in this town knows that my husband, Zach, and I recently got a divorce. Everybody also knows that Judge Olivia Lockhart decreed a pretty unusual custody arrangement. It won't be the kids moving between my place and Zach's. "We're" the ones who'll be going back and forth Olivia isn't immune to gossip herself. Will she stay with Jack, the guy who runs our local paper, or will she get back with her ex? Inquiring minds want to know?

But the "really" big gossip has to do with the dead guy -- the man who died at a local bed-and-breakfast. Who is he and why did he show up there in the middle of the night? Roy McAfee, our local private investigator, is absolutely determined to find out. I hope he does -- and then I'll let you know See you soon....

Rosie

My Thoughts:

I love reading these books and this one did not disappoint. The Cox family has gotten a divorce which should have made life easier for Rosie and Zach Cox what they didn't count on was for Judge Olivia Lockhart decide that the kids get the house and the parents would alternate living there. Zach and Rosie have a lot to work on to find out where their marriage failed. Which they were able to accomplish. Olivia is dealing with two men who both want her and having to decide who she wants to be with. Then there is Grace who after dealing with her husband Dan's suicide. Grace makes a mess of the relationships she has with Olivia's brother Will and Cliff who had nothing but a great liking for her. And Will who's married and looking for a cheap fling. Luckily Grace gets out of the situation with Will before damage can be done. Cliff on the other hand knows she was cheating and left her having gone through a horrible marriage full of cheating by his wife at the time. Then there is Charlotte who is getting friendly with Ben Rhodes a newcomer to Cedar Cove and their general interest in getting a clinic in Cedar Cove for those who can't afford to go to doctors or are on welfare. Grace's daughter Maryellen has had her baby Katie and Jon is very much a part of Katie's life. And after alot of stop and starts in their relationship Jon and Maryellen have finally gotten their relationship together and are heading towards marriage. Of course there is still the mystery of the dead guy in the Bed and Breakfast. Just who is he and why is he dead?

I love going to Cedar Cove and seeing what everyone is up too. It's like checking in with old friends and seeing how everyone is fairing. The romance is great seeing people getting together and watching their romance bloom!

Friday, August 10, 2012

I haven't used blogging buddies in quite a while and am looking to promote various other blogs and blog owners and would love to have everyone who wants to be included sign up and I will randomly pick people to promote if you would like to jump on this just fill out the links below! Let's help promote each other!

Now I'm not gonna make this hard as it would be really hard by saying over all what is your favorite book this summer, well I'm not that mean. I'm curious into all the various genre's what are your favorite books this summer for mystery, paranormal, ya, romance, chic lit, etc.

My favorite romance this summer so far is Catching Fireflies by: Sherryl Woods mainly cause it dealt with issues other than the romance, while the romance was there the book dealt with bullying which is something I think almost every teen can relate to. Either by being the bullies or the underdogs being picked on.

I will be back next week to share my next favorite genre and the book that I loved. Feel free to comment with your favorites. * Also it gives me books to check out!

Animal photographer and dog show handler Janet MacPhail knows it’s the sure-footed, finely trained canine competitors that steal the attention in the obedience ring. But all eyes are on widely disliked star handler Abigail Dorn when she falls down dead at the drop on recall command with her border collie, Pip, an Obedience Trial Champion.

Janet suspects foul play when she uncovers a bitter rivalry between Abby and Suzette, the owner of Fly, Pip’s top-ranking competitor. Balancing her dementia-afflicted mother, threats aimed at her beloved pets, and a flirty-hunk dog handler, Janet investigates as another mur¬der takes place. And her nosing around reveals an ugly scandal in the dog show circuit.

My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me via NetGalley for a honest and fair review. This is the story of Janet and what is happening in her circle of dog lover friends when Abigail Dorn falls dead, it's up to Janet to find out what is going on. There is alot of cat and mouse with this book. Someone is targeting Janet of what she might know and what she might not realize that she knows.

I loved this book was great that no animals got severely hurt in this book. While the owners of some of the animals...well some just wound up dead regardless. This book also introduced you into the world of show dogs and dog breeding that you may not know about but as I was reading I wound up learning alot about them.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Jessica Fletcher is pitching in to help Cabot Cove's first Lobster Festival by writing an article about the lifestyle of the local lobstermen. But instead of getting the story, she becomes tangled in a net of intrigue and murder. And she better sink her claws into this puzzling case-or she may find herself becoming the next catch of the day.

Description:

Foreign correspondent Dinah Davis has returned home to South Carolina to reconnect with the man she always promise to marry if another opportunity didn't present itself. But before she can find her friend, she encounters his brother, a man determined to waylay her "backup plan."

Description:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Description:

Opposites attract, but they don't last. At least that's what improper Southern belle Maggie Forsythe thinks after being unceremoniously dumped two weeks before getting hitched to a man even her mother approves of. Maggie has never given two figs what anyone thinks, so why is she hiding away from her South Carolina Low Country home?

That is until concerned - albeit scheming - friends arrive with three options:

One: Sit and mope.

Two: Go home to her gallery.

Three: Help them build a house for a needy family and make a difference for once.

But one look at Maggie, and project foreman Josh Parker knows what kind of sweet-tea-swilling debutante he's dealing with. Even if she does know her way around a circular saw. Sure, they have enough sparks to ignite a bonfire, but he's corn bread to her caviar. And if there's anything he's learned from growing up broke, it's better to aim low than risk everything and lose.

Description:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But everychoice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Description:

Thorn Matthews is a Finder, a person with the psychic ability to find things just by touching an object. The visions she gets from objects—events and memories—are what guide her to the things that need to be found.

When Thorn locates a mysterious locket, it leads to a shocking and grim discovery. Now she’s implicated in a crime and surrounded by people she’s just met at her new school, any one of whom could be hiding a terrible secret. To clear her name, Thorn reluctantly uses her music skills to enter a school talent competition, which she suspects is part of the killer’s cover. Could one of her new friends be a murderer?

Description:

Oh, God! She's in love with her preacher.

But it's not as if Amanda O'Leary set out to fall for the most gorgeous (and unattainable) man this side of South Carolina Low Country. It's just that he organized building a cozy home for her and her children at a time when the future looked darker than blackstrap molasses. Not even her own father, the arrogant and wealthy Big Max, would have done as much for her. But that's a whole other kettle of fish.

Caleb can count on fingers and toes why his attraction to widowed Amanda is plain wrong. How can he objectively counsel this chin-up spitfire without letting his emotions--and imagination--run wild? And now that Big Max has burdened him with not one secret, but two, he knows his priorities should be mending fences between father and daughter--but he can't help trying to build a place for himself in her heart first....

Description:

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever.

Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart--or his daughter--with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all...

Description:

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister—and thinks it's justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

Description:

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to "go, go, go, " Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea--until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old--and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.

Description:

Macomber shares a sneak peek into her new series set in Cedar Cove, which features Jo Marie, before she becomes the owner of the beloved Rose Harbor Inn.

From the moment Jo Marie sits next to Paul inside the Seattle Seahawks’ stadium, she feels a spark. Paul’s striking blue eyes and kind smile tell her that he’s someone special—different from any man she’s met before. When they strike up a conversation, Jo Marie and Paul realize how much they have in common, yet there’s one thing keeping them from a fairy-tale ending: Paul is in the military and will ship out of Seattle within the next six weeks. As Jo Marie wonders if she should once again open her heart, she decides that, no matter the stakes, she can’t forgo her chance at true love.

Description:

Rosie Cox

311 Pelican Court

Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Reader,

One thing about Cedar Cove  people sure are interested in what other people are doing. Take me, for instance. Everybody in the town knows that my husband, Zach, and I recently got a divorce. Everybody also know that Judge Olivia Lockhard decreed a pretty unusual custody arrangement. It won't be the kids moving between my place and Zach's. We're the ones who'll be going back and forth!

Olivia isn't immune to gossip herself. Will she stay with Jack, the guy who runs our local paper, or will she get back with her ex? Inquiring minds want to know!

But the really big gossip has to do with the dead guy  the man who died at a local bed-and-breakfast. Who is he and why did he show up there in the middle of the night? Roy McAfee, our local private investigator, is absolutely determined to find out. I hope he does  and then I'll let you know! See you soon. . .

Rosie

Description:

First, drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you'll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met—and they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.Then drive out to Grace and Cliff Harding's place. They have a small horse ranch not far from Cedar Cove. Mary Jo Wyse and her little girl, Noelle, will be there, too. Join them in reliving their memories of the Christmas Mary Jo came to Cedar Cove, pregnant and alone, and had her baby in the Hardings' stable (well, actually the apartment above it). That's the night firefighter Mack McAfee began to fall for Mary Jo and the idea of a family—with her.

Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband has failed to meet his obligations time and again—but it turns out that Ed is struggling with his own demons.Enter contractor Mitch Franklin, an unlikely knight in shining armor. A widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a woman desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue of Lynn and her children comes naturally to Mitch, he's also wise enough to encourage Lynn to find her own way…hopefully straight into his arms. My Thoughts:
This book was about Lynn Morrow and her relationship with Mitch Franklin. Early on in this book we know that Mitch has had a thing for Lynn since they were kids. Lynn ended up married to Ed Morrow who spent most of his time treating Lynn like crap. With the pending divorce Lynn learns more about Ed then she ever knew while they were married. We also get to hear more about Frances and her illness which leaves her having no choice but to go into assisted living.

I really enjoy going back to Serenity and has some of the same perks that Chesapeake Shores has. I love hearing about new people and what they are up to especially the romances. This is the 10th book in the series and I swear it gets better every time.

Sherryl Woods captures a community’s heartfelt fight to preserve the innocence of childhood When bullying threatens to destroy a teen’s life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J. C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student’s future isn’t ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina. Both J.C.’s and Laura’s passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?

My Thoughts:

For starters I love the cover artwork that Sherryl Woods uses on her books they always look so beautiful. This one is one of my favorites. This is the story of teacher Laura Reed and Pediatrician J.C. Fullerton and more than them it’s the story of Misty Davidson. When Misty is having trouble dealing with a group of popular kids at school she tries everything to get out of school from going to her teacher to get out of advanced English to her Doctor to get excused from school permanently. Both Laura and C.J. have their own reasons for standing up to this bullying situation. They rally to get the school to do what is right and prove there is a no tolerance for bullying. It was a great story that touches on something that has gone on for years in schools. I was so proud at the end of Misty and how she handled the bullying! What a great book to a great series!

Welcome to Fool's Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There's lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there's just one tiny problem in Fool's Gold: the men don't seem to stick around. Maybe it's the lure of big-city life, or maybe it's plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity's nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer--everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she's not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he's perfect just the way he is. But maybe that's just what he needs--someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he's just "chasing perfect."

My Thoughts:

This was the first in the series and I was hooked on the relationship between Charity and Josh. They both came from bad situations as kids as rose above it. We also got to meet all the great character's of Fool's Gold and learn about the relationship between Charity and her grandmother. A Great Book I loved it!

Former Marine Tom Cavanaugh’s come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s apple orchard and settle down. He knows just what the perfect woman will be like: sweet, decent, maybe a little naive. The marrying kind.

Nothing like Nora Crane. So why can’t he keep his eyes off the striking single mother?

Nora may not have a formal education, but she graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. She’s been through tough times and she’ll do whatever it takes to support her family, including helping with harvest time at the Cavanaugh’s orchard. She’s always kept a single-minded focus on staying afloat…but suddenly her thoughts keep drifting back to rugged, opinionated Tom Cavanaugh.
Both Nora and Tom have their own ideas of what family means. But they’re about to prove each other completely wrong..

My Thoughts:

I was so glad Nora finally got her own book. After being left deserted in Virgin River by her drug happy ex-boyfriend Nora is determined to provide for her kids and do better than her mother was with her. She meets Tom Cavanaugh who has an apple orchard with his grandmother who’s raised him for a long time. Tom having returned from the war is trying to start a romance with Miss Picky Pants * her actual name is Darla* as his grandmother refers to her. Tom tries to keep his newest employee Nora at arms length even though the sparks are there. They relationship starts out slow as friends and when Nora is faced with a painful decision to make, Tom gives her something else to think about. With the attraction reaching an all time high.
I really liked this story of a single mother turning her life around and doing well for her kids, also learning about her past and reconnecting with her father after her mothers passing. Tom has his own issues he has to deal with the most of which is dealing with Nora and deciding if he can be a father to someone else’s kids. It was such a great romance! My favorite character in this book has to be Tom’s Grandmother Maxie I loved how she had her own opinions about the relationships Tom was dealing with!